Women's health
Women's health information
Clear, NHS-aligned guides on periods, menopause, contraception, pregnancy, screening and symptoms that affect women — written in plain English and medically reviewed by UK doctors.
Common conditions
Symptoms to know about
Screening and tests
Treatments and contraception
NHS services
- NHS sexual health services
- Sexual health hub — STIs, contraception and testing
- Find a pharmacy on Pick My Pharmacy — emergency contraception and Pharmacy First
- NHS contraception guide
- NHS menopause information
- NHS pregnancy and baby guide
More about breast health
Start with our breast cancer guide and mammogram explainer. For additional reading and links to UK support services, Breast Cancer Charity publishes breast-health information and a support directory. Your GP or breast care team can advise on your own symptoms, tests and care.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
111 and pharmacy schemes are run by each UK nation. Use the service where you are, not an England pathway copied from a search result.
Urgent advice (111)
- England: Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk for urgent advice that is not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 online
- Scotland: NHS 24 runs 111. Use it when you need urgent care and your GP, pharmacy or dentist is closed, or you think you need A&E but it is not life-threatening. NHS 24 — when to phone 111
- Wales: NHS 111 Wales provides urgent advice by phone and online. NHS 111 Wales
- Northern Ireland: There is no general 111 service. Use your GP surgery’s out-of-hours number, listed on nidirect. nidirect — GP out of hours
Community pharmacy
- England: Pharmacy First can assess selected common conditions at some community pharmacies, including uncomplicated UTI in eligible women, sore throat, sinusitis, earache, impetigo, shingles and infected insect bites. Ask — not every pharmacy offers every pathway.
- Scotland: NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is available if you live in Scotland or are registered with a Scottish GP. A community pharmacy can advise and often treat many minor illnesses without a GP appointment.
- Wales: The Common Ailments Service lets many community pharmacies advise and treat a wider list of minor illnesses. Ask what your local pharmacy can do.
- Northern Ireland: Pharmacy First NI covers selected everyday conditions. Ask the pharmacist what is available locally rather than assuming an England pathway applies.
Compare GPhC-registered pharmacies, including NHS services such as Pharmacy First, on Pick My Pharmacy.
Common questions
- When should I see a GP about period problems?
- See a GP if periods are very heavy, painful, irregular or suddenly change, if bleeding happens between periods or after sex, or if you might be pregnant and have pain or bleeding. Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads quickly, or feeling faint, needs urgent assessment.
- What NHS screening is available for women in the UK?
- The NHS offers cervical screening (smear tests) from age 25 in England, and breast screening (mammograms) from around 50. You will be invited by letter when due. Bowel cancer screening is offered to men and women from age 50–74 in England.
- What help is available for menopause symptoms?
- A GP can discuss lifestyle changes, HRT and other treatments. Many women manage mild symptoms with exercise, sleep routine and avoiding triggers. HRT is effective for hot flushes, sleep disturbance and vaginal dryness when appropriate.
- Where can I get emergency contraception in the UK?
- Emergency contraception is available free from GP surgeries, sexual health clinics, some pharmacies and NHS walk-in centres. The morning-after pill works best taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. A copper IUD is the most effective emergency method and can be fitted up to 5 days after.